*Sir: Thank you for posting this video. Mike Bloomfield is an very important influence in my, and my older brother's life. In fact, during the summer in 1980, my brother called me late at night to say "Hey man, I jammed with Bloomfield" in a club in the San Francisco bay area. We were both shocked when he died and still feel his loss. He was like our older brother. Eugene Trevino.*
Fascinating vid. Not only the history and insight into the changes and parts, but the respect Mr. Erlewine shows for the guitar. And the subtle tips for those guitar players watching, too. Some of the stuff we already learn through trial and error, could be avoided by paying attention to his tips (removing frets, careful with shims under the neck heel, etc.). Thanks for posting this.
I’ve never played guitar in my life. However, as a fellow craftsman, his attention to detail; as well as his clear, concise explanations; keep me coming back. New favourite UA-cam channel.
When it comes to guitars, I am the opposite of gearhead. Whenever I hear talk of serial numbers, string gauges, neck widths and the like, my eyes usually glaze over and I tune out completely. But this video, and Dan's other videos, are absolutely captivating. I love the way that Dan presents the technical aspects of the instrument within their historical context. In this case, the Telecaster, Michael Bloomfield, and the music that he made on it are all the stuff of rock and roll legends. And that little snippet of Like a Rolling Stone is awesome! Well done!
Note that G.E Smith felt that the nut had a width of 1 5/8ths as opposed to the conventional 11/16ths. That is verified here at about 5:20 mark. G.E. is a monster, man!
The sound that Bloomfield got for the 'Highway 61' sessions is like nothing else I've ever heard before or since. Go back and listen to it and see if you can figure out what he was doing with that Telecaster and his amp. Hellacious, stunning.
Hi, Danny: Just a friendly comment---in this case, the neck stamp meant: 3=Telecaster, not 3rd of August. If you remember, in 1965 or so, Fender was going to discontinue the Stratocaster due to lack of sales. They developed the Jaguar to take it's place. In any case, in 1966, the neck stamp would have been 1 for Jaguar, I believe 2 for Stratocaster and of course 3 for Telecaster. In today's world, no one would believe that Fender would discontinue the Stratocaster, but that was the plan. I collect old guitar catalogs, and I have a Fender catalog from that doesn't even show the Stratocaster. We all know what happened when Are You Experienced? was released in 1967. Jimi Hendrix pretty much single-handedly saved the Stratocaster, and sales went through the roof. I always enjoy your videos, Dan.
@@andypetrovich2155 I’m a little lost. Not sure what i said about the Jaguar. I did own one and could not keep it in tune. I’ve been playing a telecaster which is my pride and joy for a long time now.
Wow, just wow. Great history. Although it wouldn't necessarily have changed how the next decade had played out. I suspect the great Strat players - Jimi, Blackmore, Clapton (sometimes), Knopfler on Dire Straits' first album - were playing pre-CBS machines.
Dan, thank you so very much on this video of one of the Masters of Blues Mike Bloomfield, R.I.P. Mike, This is an Honor to see this guitar and watch you give it a Go-over, Cousin Figel
Thanks a lot for showing this! Bloomfield (and Roy Buchanan) has always been some of my Top Telecaster players, and I love Mike's Tele tone on the first PBBB album as much as I love his "Super Session" Burst tone. Dan seems like a really great guy, and I'm very glad he did this video!
wow i would love to meet this guy...a true craftsman and so many stories and history...awesome. And i want him to look at all my guitars and make them supreme. What a wealth of knowledge, i could watch his videos on guitar repairs ALL DAY
Thank you for posting this. Mike Bloomfield was a powerful influence in my brother's and myself's lives. My older brother jammed with him in 1982. His death was a great shock. He was probably not the greatest blues player, but his eclectic style and deep love for music is unmatched to this day.
leegenix Bob Dylan called Mike Bloomfield the greatest white blues guitar player he ever heard. He could do the low down folk blues and pick it like the Delta guys, then pick up the electric and kill on the Albert and BB King style. He was one of the top five most influential electric blues players. "Probably not the greatest blues player ..." You're not really listening to the man if that's what you think. But you're certainly right about his eclectic style and love for music, though. He was deep into it.
Hey, I personally think he is one the greatest blues players. Ever. But the industry considers players like Clapton, Beck, Page, and SRV. Bloomfield deserves more credit than they give him. I wore out several copies of "A Long Time Comin" by the Electric Flag trying to learn his music. You call that Not Listening? After his untimely death, my brother and I did a tribute to him with music, art, and poetry in his honor. His surviving brother thanked me for being appreciative and being a fan in an email exchange several years ago. RIP Mike Bloomfield
leegenix No disrespect meant and sorry if it came out that way. I think those who know blues guitar playing and the history of electric blues put him right with those others. I, too, am a great fan and devotee of Mike Bloomfield. He was the first guy I heard (PBBB, 1965) that really made me take notice of blues guitar and the soulfulness of the players. That was pre-Clapton and the rest for me. I love the others you mentioned and they are definitely giants in the business, deservedly so. He was part of, along with BB King, the first wave of blues players that the white (re: "main- stream") audiences noticed. As a guitar player myself, you and I both know how unique and great he was. Anyone can PLAY the notes he played with enough study, but you cannot play them the way he did. You can never SOUND like Mike Bloomfield. His greatness was in his feeling for the blues and unique style. Funny how EC, Page, Beck and even SRV to some extent are considered rock stars and players because that's what made them famous more than anything. I love them all; they gave me a goal as a player and a ton of great licks to savor! ... The first Electric Flag is one of the greatest examples his playing and I played mine til there were no grooves left. Thank God for cd's. "I just got in from Texas, baby / And you didn't even know my name ..." 'Nuff said!
Sir. Thank you for your understanding. The loss of Mike Bloomfield caused my brother and I, who are guitarists, to go into depression. In 1980, my brother had the pleasure to sit in with him on a jam night. He called me at 3:AM to tell me he jammed with BLOOMFIELD at a club somewhere in San Francisco Bay Area. He said Mike did his rendition of "I Write The Songs" by Barry Manilow. He did it in the way only Bloomfield could play.Only a master musician like Bloomfield could interpret a song meant for easy listening, to be a master piece that would bring tears to those that dwell in heaven. So, after hearing this and a year later learning of his death, it was like losing a loved one. Which, we surely did. I thing I want to add is, Bloomfield bowed down and humbled himself as a blues master to Clapton, according to article I read in the 60's. Another thing is: he told my brother that the Super Session album hype, was a Scam. I was shocked. Peace.
excellent video, Many thanks for sharing this! "Highway 61 revisited" gave me fond memories of Johnny Winter's version..... on "Johnny winter Captured live!" REAL rock-n-roll! R.I.P. JW
I see a guy like Dan here and say to myself: "Wow. This guy really loves what he does ." We should all be able to say that about our work.. Amazing to watch this. Let's "Replay"...right away.
Actually Trigger, to my knowledge and shown on UA-cam is serviced by Dan’s cousin or nephew, Mark Erlewine in Austin, Texas. I know Mark from when he first moved to Austin and set up shop in 1973. I traded Mark a WWII Sunburst Gibson J-50 ( label on headstock “Only A Gibson is Good Enough” .) I had for a Walker Turner 16” bandsaw he had and I needed, as I was just beginning to build acoustic guitars. In retrospect…..he got the better deal! Lol! Much respect to both Mark and Dan!
Wow! I've never seen a neck move like that when adjusting the rod. I know it moves and all but that was just a great shot! :) I love these Stewmac videos!
Cool! "Super Session" was THE first LP I ever got at the tender age of twelve, It got boosted when I went to college. Finally got the CD a few years back. Now I'm digging it out to recapture my youth. Mike, RIP. I miss you!
I always enjoy your videos Dan, thank you. Nice telecaster, b.t.w. I also enjoy watching you repair guitars, I always learn alot by watching you. I have a copy of your guitar repair manual, its gold to me. Thank You.. again. Much respect.
Dan, It's video's such as this ,which feature guitars that hold a place in the history of Rock & Roll that fill me with a deep sense of gratitude for things like You Tube and the internet Sir' , and there could no one more suited given your history with Micheal's guitars to offer such a video more so than you Sir , ' Dan ! Thank you for uploading !!!
Reading interviews with Bloomfield is a treat. He was a living link with many of the legendary bluesmen of an earlier generation with whom he had actually played as a young man, when they came through Chicago. He and Paul Butterfield would be the only two white guys in the club. He really knew his stuff. A lot of musicians fall victim to addiction and they are mourned, but when this guy died it was a big, big loss for fans, and also for ethnographers and sociologists of American music. His first hand knowledge of obscure players was unparalleled, as far as I know.
*I miss him very much. I posted my feelings on a webpage and got an encouraging response from his brother. Mike Bloomfield was supremely talented and a mentor. May he Rest In Peace.*
Great video. I loved highway 61 revisited. Bloomfield and Butterfield changed my life. Thanks for the "walk down memory lane". I was so p.o.'d about Dylan getting booed at Newport that I "went electric" too. I put a DeArmond soundhole pickup in my 00-18 and I bought a used Srat for good measure. Geezers rock.
Thank you so much Dan for this great video. I really learned quite a bit from you in the past and so many of those lessons came in handy when you examined this great Telecaster. It was so nice watching you put them into place. Cheers.
Dan will one day be as well known as Leo and Les. He IS Stew-Mac far as I'm concerned, and his skill, and innovation are industry standards. Well done Obewan
AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible - just passing by.. still wondering if Bloomfield played lead guitar on Desolation Row. Greil Marcus had him pegged for it, then changed his mind in favour of Charlie McCoy.. Clinton Heylin agrees; but I don't know. Everyone's happy to credit Bloomfield with a south-of-the-border touch in Tom Thumb's Blues but not in Desolation Row. Still haven't heard Charlie play like that on record..
David Upham i think its charlie. Another thing to note is that according to a Bloomefield interview about highway 61 recordings he went and bought a new guitar for the occassion so it wouldnt be this one. But who really knows
Kevin Borchers yeah, not even Bob Johnston could settle it, we're all getting old - thanks for your reply. Recommend the Like a Rolling Stone instrumental track that Bloomfield claimed to have rescued from the session.. if you haven't heard it.
I was a huge fan of Bloomfield back in the day. I remember hearing a story about how he wanted to put his guitar away after hearing Jimi Hendrix for the first time. The story was that some of Mike's buddies convinced him - while he would never be a Jimi Hendrix - Hendrix would never be a Mike Bloomfield either. I'd like to buy those guys a round. Great video, Dan!
I played this very guitar. It was owned by John Nuese (pronounced New-EASE) who was the lead guitarist in the International Submarine Band, the late Gram Parsons' band before Gram joined The Byrds in 1968. (Plug: check out the BBC TV movie, now on DVD, called Gram Parsons: Fallen Angel.) I worked on this BBC film and already knew John Nuese from my membership in the Long Ryders, a band John liked and he came to see us play in NYC a couple of times. John was a good guy and told me the following when we were in Nashville filming him for this Gram movie. The ISB were friends with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band back when Mike Bloomfield was their primary guitarist, Elvin Bishop was the second lead guitarist if you will. Later on in the Electric Flag, Bloomfield's next band, they were chums with the Flying Burrito Brothers, the band Gram had with ex-Byrd Chris Hillman. All these guys jammed and I remember Hillman telling me the Electric Flag guys were incredible virtuoso at blues and R&B but really struggled with C&W music, something Hillman found kinda interesting. In Nashville we interviewed John Nuese for the Gram Parsons: Fallen Angel film. At some point John went to the closet and got out the Tele shown above in this video clip. I remember it well as John was left-handed and he cutaway the bit missing above so he could play it left-handed. I was astonished to hear it was Bloomfield's guitar, the very one from Like A Rolling Stone, backing Dylan at Newport in 1965, and the first Butterfield Blues Band album...not sure if this instrument was on their second LP, East-West, or not. Nuese let me play it and explained how he got the guitar from Bloomfield, I think it was a trade but my memory fails me here as it was fifteen years ago and I just don't remember exactly. John confirmed he had it modified so he could play it left-handed. The cut to the body was ghastly, it really made the guitar ugly. I played the guitar but not through an amp, only into the open air of John's home in Nashville and I remember it buzzing, it needed a fret job badly. I don't think John was still a serious, serious player back in 2003 but I know he did play a bit while in Nashville. But what a thrill for me to play the very guitar Bloomfield used to wail on From A Buick 6 and Highway 61 Revisited to say nothing of this playing on the first Butterfield Blues Band album. One more thing: this guitar sold for only $45,000 not long ago but it was probably played, at some point, by all of the four following names; Mike Bloomfield, John Nuese, Gram Parsons, and Bob Dylan. Throw in Elvin Bishop and Al Kooper too? Think about that, wow.
Thanks for taking me down memory lane! I'm 62, and Bloomfield was one of my favorites in the 60's and up. When one of my groups finally got to the big stage we'd open with the Mike & Al's live version of "the 59th street bridge song". Always loved his clean solid sound. 0.011's are too stiff for my bending style. (How did SRV every play with 0.013's!!). I used .007's in Europe, like Richie Blackmore, 0.008's and finally 0.009's in Texas.
And you have to remember when that lefty player (I’m not going to attempt spelling his name in case I get it wrong) got it, it wasn’t “historic” at all. It was just a guitar. So he did what he could to make it play better for him. Can’t really blame him for that.
I'm rarely more fascinated than when a master craftsman takes apart one of these historic instruments to see what made them tick ...Too bad that cutaway on the upper bout was "homemade" by a hobbyist. Kinda heartbreaking. Thanks again Dan.
Dan - don't know if you read these - but you are a national treasure. So glad you didn't start doing a bunch of work - gluing down a loose fret sounds like a good idea, but that simple thing could wreck the auction value for the current owner. It's no longer a "player" - so conservation is the name of the game for one-of-a-kind pieces like this one. Many techs simply do not understand the difference.
I was a wee lad when I won the Super Session album at a church function. The opening notes of Albert's Shuffle hit be like a freight train and I was hooked. I've been a white boy lost in the blues ever since.
+Bob Virkus I hear you there! Although I was a fan since the first Butterfield Lp, Super Session seemed to me to be the best Bloomfield sounded in the studio.
Spending 10 minutes listening to Dan talk and you learn SO much.... thanks for sharing Dan!!
This guy just makes me want to smile.
Everything about these videos make me stoked to be alive and a guitar builder, collector, and player. Dan is one of my heroes.
What a beautiful, practical and fantastic channel. Thank you.
TenThumbs Productions You are right, it really is, the straight dope no needless chatter.
TenThumbs Productions k
@@corvettingdane
M
*Sir: Thank you for posting this video. Mike Bloomfield is an very important influence in my, and my older brother's life. In fact, during the summer in 1980, my brother called me late at night to say "Hey man, I jammed with Bloomfield" in a club in the San Francisco bay area. We were both shocked when he died and still feel his loss. He was like our older brother. Eugene Trevino.*
As much as I love guitars, I love great stories even more. Thanks for both, Dan!
Fascinating vid. Not only the history and insight into the changes and parts, but the respect Mr. Erlewine shows for the guitar. And the subtle tips for those guitar players watching, too. Some of the stuff we already learn through trial and error, could be avoided by paying attention to his tips (removing frets, careful with shims under the neck heel, etc.). Thanks for posting this.
I’ve never played guitar in my life. However, as a fellow craftsman, his attention to detail; as well as his clear, concise explanations; keep me coming back. New favourite UA-cam channel.
Amazing camera shots, and smooth audio. Your camera guy/editor is awesome.
Literally the last place I expected to see you
Definately would like to see a guitar related video from you
Hi Zack! I've watched a lot of your videos but I don't recall you ever mentioning guitar. Do you play?
I expexted spanish inquisition more than You :)
Woah it's Zack! I work as an electronics technician thanks to you. Thank you for your knowledge
He is so full of knowledge I really enjoy all Stewmac vids but especially his.
When it comes to guitars, I am the opposite of gearhead. Whenever I hear talk of serial numbers, string gauges, neck widths and the like, my eyes usually glaze over and I tune out completely. But this video, and Dan's other videos, are absolutely captivating. I love the way that Dan presents the technical aspects of the instrument within their historical context. In this case, the Telecaster, Michael Bloomfield, and the music that he made on it are all the stuff of rock and roll legends. And that little snippet of Like a Rolling Stone is awesome! Well done!
Note that G.E Smith felt that the nut had a width of 1 5/8ths as opposed to the conventional 11/16ths. That is verified here at about 5:20 mark. G.E. is a monster, man!
The sound that Bloomfield got for the 'Highway 61' sessions is like nothing else I've ever heard before or since. Go back and listen to it and see if you can figure out what he was doing with that Telecaster and his amp. Hellacious, stunning.
SO cool for you to meet up with that guitar again.
Hi, Danny: Just a friendly comment---in this case, the neck stamp meant: 3=Telecaster, not 3rd of August. If you remember, in 1965 or so, Fender was going to discontinue the Stratocaster due to lack of sales. They developed the Jaguar to take it's place. In any case, in 1966, the neck stamp would have been 1 for Jaguar, I believe 2 for Stratocaster and of course 3 for Telecaster. In today's world, no one would believe that Fender would discontinue the Stratocaster, but that was the plan. I collect old guitar catalogs, and I have a Fender catalog from that doesn't even show the Stratocaster. We all know what happened when Are You Experienced? was released in 1967. Jimi Hendrix pretty much single-handedly saved the Stratocaster, and sales went through the roof. I always enjoy your videos, Dan.
I actually had a fender jaguar. A pretty awful guitar. Not sure what did with it. Probably just gave it away
@@sunroy1
Are you saying the Jaguar was not the cat's meow?
@@andypetrovich2155 I’m a little lost. Not sure what i said about the Jaguar. I did own one and could not keep it in tune. I’ve been playing a telecaster which is my pride and joy for a long time now.
Wow, just wow. Great history. Although it wouldn't necessarily have changed how the next decade had played out. I suspect the great Strat players - Jimi, Blackmore, Clapton (sometimes), Knopfler on Dire Straits' first album - were playing pre-CBS machines.
I saw Mike Bloomfield with, "Super Sessions" at The Fillmore East, I think it was '68.
I was very lucky to see him.
It is a pleasure to watch an expert at the height of his powers at work, I thank you kindly for your time.
Dan, thank you so very much on this video of one of the Masters of Blues Mike Bloomfield, R.I.P. Mike, This is an Honor to see this guitar and watch you give it a Go-over, Cousin Figel
As a RPT (registered piano technician), I truly appreciate these well-made videos.
Could watch and listen to Dan for hours!!! He's da man!!
what a soothing voice and a great way to spend my lonely weekend watching ur vids.
This is the very best of UA-cam.
5:08 The first number on the stamp is not the day off the month, it denotes the style of neck.
Wow Dan! Nice to hear all the history of the Tele and about your music history. Thanks for sharing. Thankz
Dan, I agree with Alex Diaz. I just woke up, checked my email, open yours, played this, and now I am going to have a great day. Thanks.
I love this mans passion for the instrument
3:54. DID HE JUST CHIPPED THE ROSEWOOD WITH THAT SHARP INSTRUMENT? Carelessness at the utmost, amazing.
RL R what r u talkin about
A real treat watching this! Thanks Dan!
That guitar sold for $45,000 at auction about five months after this video.
probably would've been a lot more if it hadn't been butchered. thats the like a rolling stone guitar
That’s it!?
@@philipdifrancesca It would still go for a few thousand dollars. People love those 60's teles
@@philipdifrancesca bruh that guitar is ugly lol
@@grahamgould2732 I am to OCD to play a beat up looking guitar even if it does sound great. I get upset on my guitar every time I get a scratch on it.
Thank you for honoring Mike.
I really enjoyed this, I’m 68 and it took me back to the time when it happened. It was like re-living the era from the guitar’s eyes.
Thanks a lot for showing this! Bloomfield (and Roy Buchanan) has always been some of my Top Telecaster players, and I love Mike's Tele tone on the first PBBB album as much as I love his "Super Session" Burst tone. Dan seems like a really great guy, and I'm very glad he did this video!
Thanks for posting this. I too was inspired by Mr Bloomfield's playing on Highway 61 Revisited back in 65. What a cool historical guitar!
Great stories! I live in Rhode Island and the Newport Folk Festival is one of my favorite places!
I know absolutely nothing about guitars and was fascinated by this video.
Ditto
Dan’s probably the most knowledgeable and so interesting.
wow i would love to meet this guy...a true craftsman and so many stories and history...awesome. And i want him to look at all my guitars and make them supreme. What a wealth of knowledge, i could watch his videos on guitar repairs ALL DAY
Thank you for posting this. Mike Bloomfield was a powerful influence in my brother's and myself's lives. My older brother jammed with him in 1982. His death was a great shock. He was probably not the greatest blues player, but his eclectic style and deep love for music is unmatched to this day.
leegenix Bob Dylan called Mike Bloomfield the greatest white blues guitar
player he ever heard. He could do the low down folk blues and pick it like
the Delta guys, then pick up the electric and kill on the Albert and BB King
style. He was one of the top five most influential electric blues players.
"Probably not the greatest blues player ..." You're not really listening to the
man if that's what you think. But you're certainly right about his eclectic style
and love for music, though. He was deep into it.
Hey, I personally think he is one the greatest blues players. Ever. But the industry considers players like Clapton, Beck, Page, and SRV. Bloomfield deserves more credit than they give him. I wore out several copies of "A Long Time Comin" by the Electric Flag trying to learn his music. You call that Not Listening?
After his untimely death, my brother and I did a tribute to him with music, art, and poetry in his honor. His surviving brother thanked me for being appreciative and being a fan in an email exchange several years ago.
RIP Mike Bloomfield
leegenix No disrespect meant and sorry if it came out that way. I think
those who know blues guitar playing and the history of electric blues put
him right with those others. I, too, am a great fan and devotee of Mike
Bloomfield. He was the first guy I heard (PBBB, 1965) that really made me
take notice of blues guitar and the soulfulness of the players. That was
pre-Clapton and the rest for me. I love the others you mentioned and they
are definitely giants in the business, deservedly so. He was part of, along
with BB King, the first wave of blues players that the white (re: "main-
stream") audiences noticed. As a guitar player myself, you and I both
know how unique and great he was. Anyone can PLAY the notes he played
with enough study, but you cannot play them the way he did. You can
never SOUND like Mike Bloomfield. His greatness was in his feeling for
the blues and unique style. Funny how EC, Page, Beck and even SRV to
some extent are considered rock stars and players because that's
what made them famous more than anything. I love them all; they gave
me a goal as a player and a ton of great licks to savor! ... The first Electric
Flag is one of the greatest examples his playing and I played mine til
there were no grooves left. Thank God for cd's. "I just got in from Texas,
baby / And you didn't even know my name ..." 'Nuff said!
Sir. Thank you for your understanding. The loss of Mike Bloomfield caused my brother and I, who are guitarists, to go into depression. In 1980, my brother had the pleasure to sit in with him on a jam night. He called me at 3:AM to tell me he jammed with BLOOMFIELD at a club somewhere in San Francisco Bay Area. He said Mike did his rendition of "I Write The Songs" by Barry Manilow. He did it in the way only Bloomfield could play.Only a master musician like Bloomfield could interpret a song meant for easy listening, to be a master piece that would bring tears to those that dwell in heaven.
So, after hearing this and a year later learning of his death, it was like losing a loved one. Which, we surely did.
I thing I want to add is, Bloomfield bowed down and humbled himself as a blues master to Clapton, according to article I read in the 60's.
Another thing is: he told my brother that the Super Session album hype, was a Scam.
I was shocked.
Peace.
+larry geetar
"You looked at me like I was a Ringling Brothers clown, yes you did."
Mike & Buddy, yeah!
It is so interesting to see that photo of Dan playing his 59 Les Paul in 1965. There's so much rock history on this video!
What an amazing honor to be able to work on that guitar. Hell I'm proud to have been in the same town. A2 is my stomping grounds as a kid.
I love hearing the history of these guitars, great video and hope to see more of that beautiful Tele!
excellent video, Many thanks for sharing this! "Highway 61 revisited" gave me fond memories of Johnny Winter's version..... on "Johnny winter Captured live!" REAL rock-n-roll!
R.I.P. JW
Dan singing/playing Dillon at the end was worth a million bucks too! Loved that!
who's Dillon ?
Dan, you just get younger looking every video. Add your talents on guitars...I’m speechless.
I see a guy like Dan here and say to myself: "Wow. This guy really loves what he does ." We should all be able to say that about our work.. Amazing to watch this. Let's "Replay"...right away.
Not sure I’ve seen anyone more experienced and competent at anything!
Great info !
Thank you
You are a legend brother. I am a drummer, mainly, and I still know how important your work is. Any man trusted to fix Trigger, well enough said.
Actually Trigger, to my knowledge and shown on UA-cam is serviced by Dan’s cousin or nephew, Mark Erlewine in Austin, Texas. I know Mark from when he first moved to Austin and set up shop in 1973. I traded Mark a WWII Sunburst Gibson J-50 ( label on headstock “Only A Gibson is Good Enough” .) I had for a Walker Turner 16” bandsaw he had and I needed, as I was just beginning to build acoustic guitars. In retrospect…..he got the better deal! Lol! Much respect to both Mark and Dan!
Wow!
I've never seen a neck move like that when adjusting the rod. I know it moves and all but that was just a great shot! :)
I love these Stewmac videos!
Thanks for continuing to your vast knowledge and thanks for the best inside look into an important, vintage guitar that I've ever seen!
Thank you so much for making this. What a piece of history!
Fabulous! History and education all rolled into one.
Wow- That Tele sounded great played loud unplugged!
Cool! "Super Session" was THE first LP I ever got at the tender age of twelve, It got boosted when I went to college. Finally got the CD a few years back. Now I'm digging it out to recapture my youth. Mike, RIP. I miss you!
I always enjoy your videos Dan, thank you. Nice telecaster, b.t.w. I also enjoy watching you repair guitars, I always learn alot by watching you. I have a copy of your guitar repair manual, its gold to me. Thank You.. again. Much respect.
That was cool, Dan! A significant piece of guitar history and setup tips.
Uncle Dan, love your work.
Absolutely fascinating vid.
Thanks so much for giving us this.
Dan,
It's video's such as this ,which feature guitars that hold a place in the history of Rock & Roll that fill me with a deep sense of gratitude for things like You Tube and the internet Sir' , and there could no one more suited given your history with Micheal's guitars to offer such a video more so than you Sir , ' Dan !
Thank you for uploading !!!
Reading interviews with Bloomfield is a treat. He was a living link with many of the legendary bluesmen of an earlier generation with whom he had actually played as a young man, when they came through Chicago. He and Paul Butterfield would be the only two white guys in the club. He really knew his stuff. A lot of musicians fall victim to addiction and they are mourned, but when this guy died it was a big, big loss for fans, and also for ethnographers and sociologists of American music. His first hand knowledge of obscure players was unparalleled, as far as I know.
*I miss him very much. I posted my feelings on a webpage and got an encouraging response from his brother. Mike Bloomfield was supremely talented and a mentor. May he Rest In Peace.*
So interesting to see a radius (thin) rosewoood fretboard in detail, as so many early Teles are one piece maple neck. Thanks guys 😊
Great video. I loved highway 61 revisited. Bloomfield and Butterfield changed my life. Thanks for the "walk down memory lane". I was so p.o.'d about Dylan getting booed at Newport that I "went electric" too. I put a DeArmond soundhole pickup in my 00-18 and I bought a used Srat for good measure. Geezers rock.
Thanks for sharing this and the history lesson was superb!
What a fantastic video - and such history. Thank you!
man, the patina on that tele is amazing,feels almost alive and telling a story
Thank you so much Dan for this great video. I really learned quite a bit from you in the past and so many of those lessons came in handy when you examined this great Telecaster. It was so nice watching you put them into place. Cheers.
Loved this video - full of information and nostalgia.
this is facinating.
Really well made video. Kudos to the videographer and editor.
3:53 DAN YOU SCRATCHED THE GUITAR!!!
so, he stabbed the fretboard of an irreplaceable instrument... big deal!
it's just a white mark in the fretboard gunk lol.
He diced it up!
Dan will one day be as well known as Leo and Les. He IS Stew-Mac far as I'm concerned, and his skill, and innovation are industry standards. Well done Obewan
I can watch these videos for hours, it's amazing to see the skills people have, and shows just why you shouldn't do it yourself.
WOW!!!!!!!! So impressive! Thanks Dan!!!!!!!!!!!
Pat Thomas your videos are like Christmas every time..haha,..great!!!
Excellent job. Good points made, fast moving video with loads of good info! Can´t wait to check out more.
What a wealth of knowledge. Dan you are so cool and such a nice guy, thanks for sharing this video.
I love how at 3:55 you mark the fretboard! hahaha
Glad I'm not the only one that noticed that!
Highway 61 revisited, could be quite possibly, the best album ever.
***** Hey what are you doing here ? I would go with you on the album. Or maybe the White album ? Are you a guitar player ? Ciao.
AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible Yeah. I play a bit.
AsFewFalseThingsAsPossible - just passing by.. still wondering if Bloomfield played lead guitar on Desolation Row. Greil Marcus had him pegged for it, then changed his mind in favour of Charlie McCoy.. Clinton Heylin agrees; but I don't know. Everyone's happy to credit Bloomfield with a south-of-the-border touch in Tom Thumb's Blues but not in Desolation Row. Still haven't heard Charlie play like that on record..
David Upham i think its charlie. Another thing to note is that according to a Bloomefield interview about highway 61 recordings he went and bought a new guitar for the occassion so it wouldnt be this one. But who really knows
Kevin Borchers yeah, not even Bob Johnston could settle it, we're all getting old - thanks for your reply. Recommend the Like a Rolling Stone instrumental track that Bloomfield claimed to have rescued from the session.. if you haven't heard it.
Thanks for sharing Dan!
I was a huge fan of Bloomfield back in the day. I remember hearing a story about how he wanted to put his guitar away after hearing Jimi Hendrix for the first time. The story was that some of Mike's buddies convinced him - while he would never be a Jimi Hendrix - Hendrix would never be a Mike Bloomfield either. I'd like to buy those guys a round. Great video, Dan!
Incredible, If only I could be 1/10 as cool as Dan one day...
Love your videos Dan, you are so entertaining whilst teaching your skills.
I played this very guitar. It was owned by John Nuese (pronounced New-EASE) who was the lead guitarist in the International Submarine Band, the late Gram Parsons' band before Gram joined The Byrds in 1968. (Plug: check out the BBC TV movie, now on DVD, called Gram Parsons: Fallen Angel.) I worked on this BBC film and already knew John Nuese from my membership in the Long Ryders, a band John liked and he came to see us play in NYC a couple of times. John was a good guy and told me the following when we were in Nashville filming him for this Gram movie.
The ISB were friends with the Paul Butterfield Blues Band back when Mike Bloomfield was their primary guitarist, Elvin Bishop was the second lead guitarist if you will. Later on in the Electric Flag, Bloomfield's next band, they were chums with the Flying Burrito Brothers, the band Gram had with ex-Byrd Chris Hillman. All these guys jammed and I remember Hillman telling me the Electric Flag guys were incredible virtuoso at blues and R&B but really struggled with C&W music, something Hillman found kinda interesting.
In Nashville we interviewed John Nuese for the Gram Parsons: Fallen Angel film. At some point John went to the closet and got out the Tele shown above in this video clip. I remember it well as John was left-handed and he cutaway the bit missing above so he could play it left-handed. I was astonished to hear it was Bloomfield's guitar, the very one from Like A Rolling Stone, backing Dylan at Newport in 1965, and the first Butterfield Blues Band album...not sure if this instrument was on their second LP, East-West, or not.
Nuese let me play it and explained how he got the guitar from Bloomfield, I think it was a trade but my memory fails me here as it was fifteen years ago and I just don't remember exactly. John confirmed he had it modified so he could play it left-handed. The cut to the body was ghastly, it really made the guitar ugly. I played the guitar but not through an amp, only into the open air of John's home in Nashville and I remember it buzzing, it needed a fret job badly. I don't think John was still a serious, serious player back in 2003 but I know he did play a bit while in Nashville. But what a thrill for me to play the very guitar Bloomfield used to wail on From A Buick 6 and Highway 61 Revisited to say nothing of this playing on the first Butterfield Blues Band album.
One more thing: this guitar sold for only $45,000 not long ago but it was probably played, at some point, by all of the four following names; Mike Bloomfield, John Nuese, Gram Parsons, and Bob Dylan. Throw in Elvin Bishop and Al Kooper too? Think about that, wow.
Don't forget G. E. Smith also played it for a video showcasing this guitar
That guitar blew my mind... and I'm not the only one...
That was mesmerizing
Thanks for taking me down memory lane!
I'm 62, and Bloomfield was one of my favorites in the 60's and up. When one of my groups finally got to the big stage we'd open with the Mike & Al's live version of "the 59th street bridge song". Always loved his clean solid sound.
0.011's are too stiff for my bending style. (How did SRV every play with 0.013's!!). I used .007's in Europe, like Richie Blackmore, 0.008's and finally 0.009's in Texas.
+armstronglance You must bend reaaaaly hard to have to play on such light strings!
Dan... You're the best keep up the good work great story
Thank you for posting this great video.
What a great learning experience.
Really enjoyed this video. Thanks guys!
Pleased to meet ya! I loved it thanks.
The man is a Genius of Experience equals Excellence!!!
As historic as the guitar is, seeing that “mod” brings tears to my eyes.
I Agree.. ughhhh
It looks really bad. haha I agree
But it made it iconic and unique, as ugly as it looks.
@@ArielCardona agreed. There’s a certain sort of mojo to it.
And you have to remember when that lefty player (I’m not going to attempt spelling his name in case I get it wrong) got it, it wasn’t “historic” at all. It was just a guitar. So he did what he could to make it play better for him. Can’t really blame him for that.
I'm rarely more fascinated than when a master craftsman takes apart one of these historic instruments to see what made them tick ...Too bad that cutaway on the upper bout was "homemade" by a hobbyist. Kinda heartbreaking. Thanks again Dan.
It sounds great, rock and roll history.
That was so relaxing - and informative. Thanks for the post.
Dan - don't know if you read these - but you are a national treasure. So glad you didn't start doing a bunch of work - gluing down a loose fret sounds like a good idea, but that simple thing could wreck the auction value for the current owner. It's no longer a "player" - so conservation is the name of the game for one-of-a-kind pieces like this one. Many techs simply do not understand the difference.
very informative.i hope there's a lot more videos like this another time.thumbs up!
This gentleman knows a shitload about guitars. More than you know and I know combined.
I was a wee lad when I won the Super Session album at a church function. The opening notes of Albert's Shuffle hit be like a freight train and I was hooked. I've been a white boy lost in the blues ever since.
+Bob Virkus
I hear you there! Although I was a fan since the first Butterfield Lp,
Super Session seemed to me to be the best Bloomfield sounded in the studio.
Great information. Old school talk.
3:53 Did they pay you to relic it as well?
ouncy He never touched it
I can see a scratch line that he left? So I'm guessing he did.
crekk- you're right, I'd bin it now if it was mine tbh
Hahaha, for some reason I like the battered look of a telecaster, just makes it seem so much cooler. That must just be me though.
crekk- no I definitely agree with you. I'd have bother living with that bit cut out of this one though!